Skinny / Narrow Bowel Movement
Human feces vary in size and shape from day to day, depending on health, diet and hydration. The average bowel movement should usually be (approximately) the size and shape of a sausage. It is a pretty normal occurrence to differ from this from time to time. However if you persistently experience narrow or thin stool you may need to consider diagnosis.
What Causes Skinny/Narrow Bowel Movement?
Thin or narrow stools are commonly caused by a rectal obstruction. This could be anything from a large hemorrhoid to a tumor.
A tight anal sphincter will also cause narrow stools. This could be an involuntary action due to stress or discomfort; or a voluntary action due to attempting to hold in a bowel movement in a potentially awkward social moment.
How to Cure Skinny/Narrow Bowel Movements
Relieving stress and anxieties and not actively tensing your anus will help with a tight sphincter. Remember that withholding a bowel movement is potentially dangerous and can cause serious damage so always make the time in your day.
Any obstruction is worrisome so you should consult your physician for medical advice. Hemorrhoids can be shrunk with treatments. If the obstruction is cancerous you are likely to have experienced many other symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss and anemia; or have a history of colon cancer in the family.